Can shield a semi-permanent (removable for maintenance purposes) modular wall(s) or monument(s) to shield from view unsightly utility equipment, including but not limited to trash receptacles, pool equipment, air conditioning/heating equipment or other exterior/interior equipment and/or appliances.

ABSTRACT

This invention titled “Can Shield” is an apparatus consisting of a semi-permanent (removable for maintenance purposes) modular wall(s) or monument(s) of sufficient height and breadth to shield from public view unsightly utility equipment. Pre-manufactured off-site this device is transported to the site and erected on site with equipments and materials provided as a package. Prior to this patent application, this merchandise has been available to the consumer only as expensive “construct on the premises” manufactured goods and only as a permanent structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] It is suggested this invention be classified under Class 52 Static Structures, a residual class of static structures. This class includes onsite erected structures; as well as offsite manufactured structures that are erected on the site. The structure comprising the invention is pre-manufactured offsite and erected onsite. Previously, structures of this type were constructed on site from materials of a permanent non-removable nature. This invention is a semi-permanent structure and would remain permanent until or in the event a device, which this structure shields from public view, requires removal or maintenance. This invention is decorative and ornamental and will greatly enhance the esthetic appearance of a new or existing structure; and for minimal cost will enhance the value of the property on which it resides.

[0002] Further, since this invention is decorative and ornamental in design, it is suggested this invention be classified under subclass 311.1. This subclass includes structures having exposed faces which exhibit a desired visual effect, which effect is gained by: (1) having a defined coloring, (2) relief or intaglio surface shape of a monolith or component element . . . . The invention does meet many if not all these criteria.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention titled “Can Shield” is a semi-permanent (removable for maintenance purposes) modular wall(s) or monument(s) to shield from public view such unsightly utility equipment which includes, but is not limited to, trash receptacles, pool equipment, air conditioning/heating equipment, commercial service entrance equipment, telephone or television equipment boxes or other exterior/interior equipment or appliances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] Drawing No. Description SE111S Free standing monolith type structure with a (Independent Claim) decorative or ornamental face (one side only) with a polystyrene Styrofoam subsurface coated with a decorative cementeous, elast-omeric or other composite finish coat (both sides). This structure is supported by a simple rod and insert type support and anchored by a below grade footer type foundation. SE111B This drawing supports SE111S and is the detail drawing for the footer type foundation. SE111SM This is a Material Specification supporting SE111S and provides a list of materials to be used in the manufacture of the end product. SE112F Free standing monolith type structure with a (Dependent Claim) decorative or ornamental face (one side only), produced from a Fiberglass type molded or spray on finish (both sides) over a supporting subsurface which could include various materials. This structure is supported by a simple rod and insert type support imbedded in and supporting the subsurface and anchored by a below grade footer type foundation SE112F1 This drawing supports SE112F and is a detail drawing for the rod and insert support system. SE112F2 This drawing supports SE112F1 an is a detail drawing for the rod and insert support system. SE111B This drawing supports SE112F and is the detail drawing for the footer type foundation. SE112FM This is a Material Specification supporting SE112F and provides a list of materials to be used in the manufacture of the end product SE113C Free standing monolith type structure with a (Dependent Claim) decorative or ornamental face (one side only) and produced from Wood, Cementeous, Ceramic, Asphaltic, Rubber, Fiberglass, Plastic, Gypsum, or other composite material. This structure is supported by a simple rod and insert type support imbedded in and supporting the subsurface and anchored by a below grade footer type foundation SE113CM This is a Material Specification supporting SE113C and provides a list of materials to be used in the manufacture of the end product. SE114S Free standing monolith type structure with a (Dependent Claim) decorative or ornamental face (one side only) with a polystyrene Styrofoam subsurface coated with a decorative cementeous, elast-omeric or other composite finish coat (both sides). This structure is supported by a simple rod and insert type support and anchored by a pointed steel stakes driven into the ground (not recommended). SE114SM This is a Material Specification supporting SE114S and provides a list of materials to be used in the manufacture of the end product. SE115F Free standing monolith type structure with a (Dependent Claim) decorative or ornamental face (one side only), produced from a Fiberglass type molded or spray on finish (both sides) over a supporting subsurface which could include various materials. This structure is supported by a simple rod and insert type support imbedded in and supporting the subsurface and anchored by pointed steel stakes driven into the ground (notrecommended). SE115F1 This drawing supports SE115F and is a detail drawing for the rod and insert support system. SE115F2 This drawing supports SE115F1 an is a detail drawing for the rod and insert support system SE115FM This is a Material Specification supporting SE115F and provides a list of materials to be used in the manufacture of the end product SE116C Free standing monolith type structure with a (Dependent Claim) decorative or ornamental face (one side only) and produced from Wood, Cementeous, Ceramic, Asphaltic, Rubber, Fiberglass, Plastic, Gypsum, or other composite material. This structure is supported by a simple rod and insert type support mechanically SE116CM This is a Material Specification supporting SE116C and provides a list of materials to be used in the manufacture of the end product. SE117S Free standing monolith type structure with a (Dependent Claim) decorative or ornamental face (one side only) with a polystyrene Styrofoam subsurface coated with a decorative cementeous, elast-omeric or other composite finish coat (both sides). This structure is supported by a simple tube type support and anchored by below grade pier(s) with and imbedded sleeve. SE117S1 This drawing supports SE117S and is a detail drawing for the concrete or cementeous pier and sleeve anchor. SE117SM This is a Material Specification supporting SE117S and provides a list of materials to be used in the manufacture of the end product. SE118F Free standing monolith type structure with a (Dependent Claim) decorative or ornamental face (one side only), produced from a Fiberglass type molded or spray on finish (both sides) over a supporting subsurface which could include various materials. This structure is supported by a simple rod and insert type support imbedded in and supporting the subsurface and anchored by below grade pier(s) with and imbedded sleeve. SE118F1 This drawing supports SE118F and is a detail drawing for the rod and insert support system. SE118F2 This drawing supports SE118F1 an is a detail drawing for the rod and insert support system SE117S1 This drawing supports SE118F and is a detail drawing for the concrete or cementeous pier and sleeve anchor. SE118FM This is a Material Specification supporting SE118F and provides a list of materials to be used in the manufacture of the end product SE119C Free standing monolith type structure with a (Dependent Claim) decorative or ornamental face (one side only) and produced from Wood, Cementeous, Ceramic, Asphaltic, Rubber, Fiberglass, Plastic, Gypsum, or other composite material. This structure is supported by a simple rod and insert type support imbedded in and supporting the subsurface and anchored by a below grade footer type foundation SE117S1 This drawing supports SE119F and is a detail drawing for the concrete or cementeous pier and sleeve anchor. SE119CM This is a Material Specification supporting SE119C and provides a list of materials to be used in the manufacture of the end product. For reference only. SE111D Drawing for Design Patent featuring a few of the (Independent Claim) infinite variety of designs that could be available for this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Manufactured from a variety of different materials and mounted by several different installation methods, this invention (Can Shield) is both functional and esthetically pleasing in appearance. Designed to shield from public view such utility equipment as Trash Disposal Containers, Air-Conditioning Equipment, Swimming Pool equipment, Commercial Electrical Service Entrance Equipment, Telephone Connection Terminals or other exterior/interior service equipment, this invention will greatly enhance the value of any residential/commercial property for minimal cost. “Can Shield” will be pre-manufactured and erected on site.

[0006] Used as a screen to hide commercial/residential trash dumpsters, telephone, cable, electrical, or other utility equipment, this invention (Can Shield) can also serve as a decorative or ornamental device for displaying the name of a commercial enterprise, name of residence, street number or address or many other innovative uses. “Can Shield” is designed to be a semi-permanent installation, but removable for maintenance or replacement of the device it shields from public view. If it is necessary to remove “Can Shield” for any purpose, it is designed for easy re-installation.

[0007] “Can Shield” can be produced in a variety of sizes in order to perform different functions. For most applications “Can Shield” should be manufactured in a 4 Ft. High×4 Ft. Wide×¾″ or greater (multiple) Variable Thickness dimensions (above ground). This size will hide most utility applications. However, for certain applications, end panels, tees, tops or bottoms may be required. “Can Shield” can also be joined together to form modular panels or varying lengths and configurations.

[0008] “Can Shield” can be produced from a wide variety of materials, but SonEco Products is of the opinion the most appropriate and least costly of these is:

[0009] 1. Polystyrene Styrofoam coated with a cementious, elastomeric, or other exterior coating and supported by a rigid interior frame constructed from materials such as wood, metal, plastic or other suitable material.*

[0010] 2. A decorative Fiberglass Exterior, supported by a rigid interior frame constructed from materials such as wood, metal, plastic or other suitable material.*

[0011] 3. A weather impervious composite material produced from wood, plastic, rubber, metal, fiberglass, etc. supported by an framework constructed from materials such as wood, metal, plastic or other suitable material.*

[0012] As described by the drawings, “Can Shield” can be anchored by a variety of methods, including, poured in place footing type anchors, piers poured in place, sharpened rods driven into place, or attachment to existing structures. The majority of anchoring methods will be by footing or piers. Footing type anchors will be of such size (normally 4 ft long×8 in. deep×8″ wide) as to support the structure. Pier type anchors will also be of sufficient size (normally 12″ sq.×12″ deep) to support the structure. 

I. SE111S “INDEPENDENT” UTILITY CLAIM (Stucco, Footer Base Mounting) We claim the invention “Can Shield” SE111S is a semi-permanent modular wall or monument designed to shield from public view, unsightly utility equipment such as: trash receptacles, pool equipment, air conditioning/heating equipment, commercial electric service entrances, telephone or cable boxes. “Can Shield” can be decorative or ornamental and can be esthetically pleasing to a residential or commercial property greatly enhancing its value. The interior support is polystyrene Styrofoam and the exterior finish is of a cementious, elastomeric or other decorative coating. This device is pre-manufactured and anchored with a footer type base. II. SE112F “DEPENDENT” UTILITY CLAIM (Fiberglass, Footer Base Mounting) We claim the invention “Can Shield” SE112F is identical to SE111S with the exception that is produced from different materials (Fiberglass) and supported with a different internal framework. This device is pre-manufactured and anchored with a footer type base. III. SE113C “DEPENDENT” UTILITY CLAIM (Composite, Footer Base Mounting) We claim the invention “Can Shield” SE113C is identical to SE111S with the exception that is produced from different materials (Composite) and supported with a different framework. This device is pre-manufactured and anchored with a footer type base. IV. SE114S “DEPENDENT” UTILITY CLAIM (Stucco, Stake Mounted) We claim the invention “Can Shield” SE114S is identical to SE111S with the exception that the device is anchored with steel stakes driven into the ground. V. SE115F “DEPENDENT” UTILITY CLAIM (Fiberglass, Stake Mounted) We claim the invention “Can Shield” SE115F is identical to SE111S with the exception that is produced from different materials (Fiberglass) and supported with a different internal framework. This device is pre-manufactured and anchored with steel stakes driven into the ground. VI. SE116C “DEPENDENT” UTILITY CLAIM (Composite, Stake Mounted) We claim the invention “Can Shield” SE116C is identical to SE111S with the exception that is produced from different materials (Composite) and supported with a different framework. This device is pre-manufactured and anchored with a steel stakes driven into the ground. VII. SE117S “DEPENDENT” UTILITY CLAIM (Stucco, Pier Mounted) We claim the invention “Can Shield” SE117S is identical to SE111S with the exception that the device is anchored with pier type mounting. VIII SE118F “DEPENDENT” UTILITY CLAIM (Fiberglass, Pier Mounted) We claim the invention “Can Shield” SE118F is identical to SE111S with the exception that is produced from different materials (Fiberglass) and supported with a different internal framework. This device is pre-manufactured and anchored with a pier type base. IX. SE119C “DEPENDENT” UTILITY CLAIM (Composite, Pier Mounted) We claim the invention “Can Shield” SE119C is identical to SE111S with the exception that is produced from different materials (Composite) and supported with a different framework. This device is pre-manufactured and anchored with a pier type base. For reference only. SE111D “INDEPENDENT” DESIGN CLAIM. (See separate application). 